ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Election Commission
Total 3,66,61,315 electors in Andhra Pradesh in first General Election post reorganization; out of these 5,39,804 electors in age group of 18-19 years
Number of women electors more than the men electors by 1.93 % in the State
45,920 Polling Stations being set up in State for voting
The State of Andhra Pradeshwill see its first General Election post reorganisation after two days on 11th April, 2019. All 25 constituencies in the reorganised State arescheduled to go for polls in the first phase of the upcoming General Elections -2019.
This year the State has a total of 3,66,61,315 electors. As per the data sourced from the National Election Planner, the number of electors in Andhra Pradesh includes 18123437 men, 18474714 women and 3745 others. As many as 56908 Service electors and 2511 overseas Indian electors are also part of the Electoral Roll 2019.Number of women electors in the Andhra Pradesh is more than men electors by 3,51,277 .Also, there are 5,39,804 electors in the State who are in the age group of 18-19 years.
If we combine 2,95,30,838 electors of Telangana and 3,66,61,315 electors in Andhra Pradesh, the total number of electors has increased by 12,58,015  since the previous General Election-2014 in the undivided Andhra Pradesh.
It may be noted that polling percentage was highest at 74.64 percent in undivided Andhra Pradesh in the last General Elections -2014. The number of electors and polling percentage for the State in previous General Elections is given in the table below:
|
|
General Election Year
|
|
Number of Electors in Andhra Pradesh
|
|
Polling Percentage
|
|
Male
|
|
Female
|
|
Total
|
|
2019
|
|
18123437
|
|
18474714
|
|
36661315|
|
-
|
|
2014
|
|
32676266
|
|
32252318
|
|
64934138|
|
74.64
|
|
2009
|
|
28684841
|
|
29207418
|
|
57892259
|
|
72.70
|
|
2004
|
|
25355118
|
|
25791224
|
|
51146342
|
|
69.95
|
|
1999
|
|
24771335
|
|
24883054
|
|
49654389
|
|
69.14
|
|
1998
|
|
24532867
|
|
24600268
|
|
49133135
|
|
66.00
|
|
1996
|
|
24735268
|
|
24766006
|
|
49501274
|
|
63.02
|
|
1991
|
|
21387877
|
|
21230096
|
|
42617973
|
|
61.42
|
|
1989
|
|
21273312
|
|
21201867
|
|
42475179
|
|
70.43
|
|
1984
|
|
16631513
|
|
16914974
|
|
33546487
|
|
68.97
|
|
1980
|
|
15081626
|
|
15415977
|
|
30497603
|
|
56.93
|
|
1977
|
|
13757025
|
|
13810593
|
|
27567618
|
|
62.47
|
|
1971
|
|
11389302
|
|
11308603
|
|
22697905
|
|
59.13
|
|
1967
|
|
-
|
|
-
|
|
21091212
|
|
66.97
|
|
1962
|
|
9585927
|
|
9151929
|
|
18737856
|
|
64.72
|
|
1957
|
|
|
|
|
|
17668716
|
|
|
|
1951
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sources – ECI websiteIncludes 5554 third gender electors; additionally there were 5 overseas electors and 46329 service electors in the StateIncludes 3745 third gender electors, 2511 overseas electors and 56908 service electors
Ministry of Tribal Affairs
M/O Tribal Affairs Intends to Establish National Tribal Research Institute  at Delhi
Ministry of Tribal Affairs intends to establish a National Tribal Research Institute  at Delhi to act as body of knowledge & research and as a think tank for tribal development. However, no proposal for collaboration with NGOs is under consideration of the Ministry.
The NTRI envisages to serve the purpose of mentoring and hand holding support to Tribal Research Institutes  located in various States, and to ensure quality and uniformity in research works, evaluation studies, training, awareness generation among tribals, showcasing of rich tribal heritage including languages, habitats and cultivation and production practices such as cloth weaving etc. NTRI may also house auditorium for national level conferences.
This information was given by Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Shri Arjun Munda in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Indonesia om combating illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and its precursors
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the signing of Memorandum of Understanding  between India and Indonesia on combating illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and its precursors.
The MoU will help in mutual cooperation in regulation of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and in combating drug trafficking. It will come into force on the date of signing and will remain in effect for a period of five years.
India has signed similar Conventions/MoUs/Agreements with the 37 countries.
Salient features of the MoU are as under:
- The MoU shall facilitate and enhance the cooperation between the two countries in combating illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and its precursors as defined by the United Nations International Drug Control Conventions.
- The cooperation under this MoU includes the exchange of information on existing legal instruments of national legislation of both countries in combating the illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs psychotropic substances and its precursors, allowing and assisting each other in the use of controlled delivery operation with a view to identifying persons involved in illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and its precursors and essential chemicals, prevention of money laundering.
- Under the MoU, there is a provision of maintaining the secrecy of information and documents obtained in accordance with this MoU.
Vice President's Secretariat
Vice President launches ‘International Satavadhanam’ event, a unique literary feat
Language embodies our culture and heritage, it is our wealth.
It is our responsibility to protect it, says Vice President.
Appreciates international efforts to preserve language and revive lost traditions
The Vice President Shri M Venkaiah Naidu has observed that ‘avadhanam’ as a literary feat has greatly contributed to the Telugu language’s glorious tradition. ‘Avadhanam’ is like a test of the poet’s literary prowess and scholarship, he added. This extraordinary feat, a historical and unique feature of only a few languages, should be further promoted, the Vice President advised.
The ‘International ‘Satavadhanam’’ program, launched virtually by the Vice President today, was organized by Dr. Medasani Mohan under the auspices of Sri Krishnadevaraya Satsang in Tirupati. Speaking on the occasion, he said ‘avadhanam’ is an exciting literary performance that involves solving tricky literary posers, improvising poems and tests a person's capability of performing such multiple tasks simultaneously.
Shri. Venkiah Naidu said our mother tongue is our wealth. Writers, poets, linguists and others should put greater efforts to preserve our heritage and pass it on to future generations, the Vice President added. He appreciated holding of programs to preserve and promote Indian languages and their heritage in foreign countries and expressed his delight at participating in such events. He urged the participants not to forget the roots of their mother tongue, while pursuing foreign languages.
Observing that language is not just an expression of emotion, the Vice President said that language conveys a person's nationality and cultural heritage. Stressing the need to preserve and nourish one’s mother tongue, he said that it was important to accord respect to all languages. Shri. Venkiah Naidu added that as a civilization we can prosper only when we preserve our mother tongue, Bharatiya Sanskriti, nature and the environment.
The Vice President also appreciated the efforts of Shri Medasani Mohan and others in preserving and promoting Telugu language traditions.
He also commended the participation of scholars and connoisseurs from nearly 20 countries across the world in the literary feat of ‘avadhanam’. He added that holding such a virtual event in the times of the current pandemic was laudable. Turning adverse circumstances into opportunities is the way forward, he added.
The Vice President said that this will pave the way for more such “avadhanams’’ and encourage more Indian literary and language programmes to become global.
The other dignitaries, who participated in the event, include officials, corporate leaders, people from the film fraternity, writers, scholars, and enthusiasts from many countries participated.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Notification issued pertaining to concessions under the Vehicle Scrapping Policy
In the vehicle scrapping policy, it is proposed to have a system of incentives to nudge vehicle owners to discard old and polluting vehicles, which have higher maintenance and fuel consumption costs.
In line with the above, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has issued a GSR Notification 720 dated 05.10.2021, in the Gazette of India, which shall come into force from the 1st day of April, 2022.
As an incentive for scrapping, concession is stipulated in the motor vehicle tax for a vehicle registered against submission of "Certificate of Deposit", which is issued by a Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility. This concession is as below:
 upto twenty five per cent, in case of non-transport  vehicles, and
upto fifteen per cent, in case of transport  vehicles:
The concession shall be available upto eight years, in case of transport vehicles, and upto fifteen years, in case of non-transport vehicles.
Click here to open the Gazette Notification
Ministry of Home Affairs
Assam Rifles conducted a specialist medical facilities camp at the remote corner of Vijaynagar in Arunachal Pradesh
Kolkata, May 29, 2019
A medical camp was conducted by Assam Rifles at Vijaynagar in Arunachal Pradesh for the local residents on Monday. This was for the first time that a camp for providing specialist medical facilities to the residents was organised at this air maintained hamlet in the easternmost part of the country. It is virtually impossible for the populace to avail of such a detailed medical check up in this remote area which till today is bereft of any road connectivity.
The medical team of Assam Rifles was led by Director Medical and Colonel Medical from HQ DGAR and Eye & ENT specialists from Assam Rifles Composite Hospital and two Doctors from Jairampur Battalion of Assam Rifles conducted this Special Medical Camp which benefitted 99 patients, consisting of 48 males, 43 females and 8 children from Vijaynagar Circle. The follow up actions in terms of providing them with numbered spectacles and hearing aids will be delivered to these residents through the Assam Rifles post at Vijaynagar.
The villagers lauded the noble gesture of the Assam Rifles. It was assured that Assam Rifles is fully committed to the overall development of the region and will continue to conduct such medical camps in the interiors where people very much require such camps. Further, Assam Rifles also expressed its gratitude to the Eastern Air Command for air lifting the specialist doctors to this remote region.
Special Service and Features
Regional Direct Taxes Advisory Committee Meeting held in Chennai
A meeting of the Regional Direct Taxes Advisory Committee , Tamil Nadu & Puducherry Region was held on 14th July 2023 at the Income Tax Office, Nungambakkam. Dr. M. Thambidurai, Hon’ble Member of Parliament addressed the meeting. Shri Sanjai Kumar Verma, Pr. CCIT , other senior officers of the Income Tax Department, Tamil Nadu & Puducherry Region and other members of the Committee attended the meeting. The RDTAC is comprised of nominated members that includes Member of Parliament, nominee from Government of Tamil Nadu , members from the field of trade, commerce, industries and accounts among others.
Shri Sanjai Kumar Verma, in his welcome address explained that the role of the Committee is to develop and encourage mutual cooperation between the tax-payers & the Income Tax Department and to remove administrative & procedural difficulties of a general nature. He highlighted the endeavours of the Government to provide quality tax-payer services and enhanced service delivery standards through computerization and enhanced use of technology. He stressed on steps taken recently to reduce the physical interface between the tax-payers and the department.
- M. Thambidurai, in his address, emphasised the importance of the Committee and opined that the valuable suggestions of this Committee could be sent to the Ministry of Finance. He further suggested that the Committee needs to collect inputs from a larger section of stakeholders viz. Traders, Industrialists, manufacturers, educational and charitable institutions etc. by convening meetings with them.
Other members of the Committee offered suggestions for improvement in Direct Tax Administration concerning their respective fields.
In conclusion, the Pr. CCIT ,TN &P assured that the valuable suggestions of the members would be suitably addressed. He mentioned that a dedicated mail id chennai.dcit.hq.coord@incometax.gov.in is made available to elicit suggestions on delivery of tax payer services and suggested that a meeting will be convened involving all the stakeholders to get to know their viewpoints on taxpayer services. He hoped that the ultimate objective of improving tax-payer services would be successfully achieved by this process.
Department of Space
Discovery of a Sub-Saturn like Planet around a Sun-like star
A Team of scientists and engineers led by Prof. Abhijit Chakraborty of Physical Research Laboratory , Ahmedabad, discovered a sub-Saturn or super-neputune size planet  around a Sun-like star. The planet will be known as EPIC 211945201b or K2-236b.
The Research work has appeared online in Astronomical Journal of the American Astronomical Society and published by IOP publishing .
The discovery was made by measuring the mass of the planet using the indigenously designed “PRL Advance Radial-velocity Abu-sky Search”  spectrograph integrated with 1.2m Telescope at PRL's Gurushikhar Observatory in Mount Abu, India. Only 23 such planetary systems  are known to this date with masses between 10 and 70 Earth mass and size of 4 to 8 Earth radii with such precise measurement of mass This discovery is very important for understanding the formation mechanism of such super-Neptune or sub-Saturn kind of planets, that are too close to the host star and as well as planet formations around Sun-like stars.
With this discovery, India has joined a handful of countries, which have discovered planets around stars beyond our solar system. Further, PARAS is the first of its kind spectrograph in Asia, which can measure the mass of a planet going around a star. Very few spectrographs exist around the world that can do such precise measurements.
Ministry of Coal
Foreign Direct Investment in Commercial Coal Mining in India
This is with reference to the ongoing auction process of coal mines for commercial coal mining in India, which was launched by the Nominated Authority, Ministry of Coal, Government of India in June, 2020. Foreign Direct Investment  Policy, 2017 was amended vide the Press Note 4 of 2019, issued by the Central Government, to permit 100% FDI under automatic route in coal mining activities including associated processing infrastructure, for sale of coal, subject to the provisions of Coal Mines  Act, 2015 and the Mines and Minerals  Act, 1957 as amended from time to time and other relevant Acts on the subject.
Accordingly, it was stated in the tender document that “The Press Note 4 of 2019, issued by the Central Government, amended FDI Policy 2017, to permit 100% FDI under automatic route in coal mining activities, including associated processing infrastructure subject to the Act and other Applicable Laws, for sale of coal.” It is further clarified that any FDI in the commercial coal mining is subject to Applicable Laws including the Press Note 3 of 2020 issued by the Central Government according to which “an entity of a country, which shares land border with India or where the beneficial owner of an investment into India is situated in or is a citizen of any such country, can invest only under the Government route. Further, a citizen of Pakistan or an entity incorporated in Pakistan can invest, only under the Government route, in sectors/activities other than defence, space, atomic energy and sectors/activities prohibited for foreign investment.”. A corrigendum to the tender document has also been issued in this regard.
Ministry of Jal Shakti
Flood Forecasting and Early Warning System
Forecasting system is essential to predict likely increase in water level in rivers. Central Water Commission  provides statistical methodology  based short range flood forecast. Presently, flood forecasts are issued by CWC at 332 stations . Annually, about 10,000 flood forecasts are issued by CWC.
CWC is currently providing near real time five-day advisory flood forecast on its web portal https://aff.india-water.gov.in/ for 20 major river basins of the country. The five day advance forecast is generated using various available rainfall data products like forecast rainfall data GFS  and WRF  provided by IMD , rainfall estimates namely GsMaP  & GPM , as a major input into the model system. The system is developed in-house using modelling software for flood forecasting which is updated every three hours for all the stations simultaneously in automatic mode during monsoon season.
CWC has also taken up the work of development of near real time Inundation Forecast for Ganga Basin through consultancy under National Hydrology Project  using High Resolution Digital Elevation Model  received from NRSC/ Survey of India / State Govt.
The data collected from field stations is transmitted from the site to the concerned Flood Forecasting Centre of CWC through wireless and/or telephone/mobile and satellite based telemetry system & VSAT. Central Water Commission maintains Wireless Stations for near real–time data communication. These wireless sets work on pre-fixed schedules for receiving the vital hydro-meteorological data immediately after its observation. Now under modernization program, satellite based Telemetry System has been installed at various stations for sensor based automatic data collection and satellite based communication. The data is transmitted to the Earth Receiving Station through Satellite and then to various Modelling Centres through VSAT Systems. The nodal officer of the dam/reservoir share reservoir related data with CWC through uploading on Water Information Management System  or sending through e-mail/SMS/Phone/Wireless etc.
Dissemination of flood forecasts has also been modernised by having a dedicated website https://ffs.india-water.gov.in. In addition, telephone/mobile phone, fax and internet are used for dissemination of flood forecasts to user agencies. Daily Flood Situation Reports cum Advisories are shared with all stakeholders as well as general public using social media platforms.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Shri Bishweswar Tudu in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Heavy Industries
Arjun Ram Meghwal Addresses 3rd International Electric Vehicle Conclave
The Minister of State for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, Arjun Ram Meghwal, inaugurated the 3rd International Electric Vehicle  Conclave at the International Centre for Automotive Technology  in Manesar, Gurugram, today. The Conclave was held to create a knowledge-sharing platform to ensure flow of information at all levels in the automotive sector.
The EV Conclave organized by ICAT in association with India Energy Storage Alliance  has grown and transformed itself into a global event since its inception in 2017. Owing tothe growth of electric mobility and in order to meet the demands of the automotive sector, the EV Conclave is organized with a focus on new trends and challenges in the field of electric mobility.
Addressing the Conclave, Arjun Ram Meghwal,said that the Electric Mobility Mission will be implemented in phases based on feedback from the auto industry. He also promised all support to the industry on policy matters to ensure smooth and efficient transformation of the automotive industry from internal combustion to electric powertrain. He informed that 3 lakh electric vehicles have already been sold under the FAME India Scheme. He said the provision of Rs. 10,000 crore have been made for electric mobility in the Union Budget of 2019-20.
The Conclave was attended by more than 200 delegates from more than 80 organizations. The next Conclave will be organized in July 2020.
On this occasion, an exhibition was organized in which component manufacturers, system suppliers and service providers showcased their products and services to promote self-reliance, encourage designers and promote innovations in the electric vehicle industry in India.
Arjun Ram Meghwal also inaugurated various new facilities including Photometry Lab for General Lighting and Power Train Engine Test Cell - Expansion. In the expansion of the Photometry Lab for general lighting, various performance and safety testing facilities like mirror Goniometer, LED testing facilities were also inaugurated. Powertrain ETC lab expansion includes two transient and five Eddy current dynamometers-based test cells for functional validation of engines.
Ministry of Steel
Various Steps taken by Government to Increase Availability of Iron and Steel
Steel is a de-regulated sector. Commercial decisions such as production, export/import are taken by the steel companies. However, the Government has taken various steps to increase availability of iron and steel, which, inter-alia, include Mining and Mineral Policy reforms to ensure enhanced production and availability of iron ore, early operationalization of forfeited working mines of Odisha by the State/Central PSUs etc., besides ramping up production and capacity utilization by steel producers. In Union Budget 2021-22, Customs Duty has been reduced uniformly to 7.5% on Semis, Flat and Long products of non-alloy, alloy and stainless steels. Further, BCD on steel scrap has been exempted for a period up to March 31, 2022. In addition to the above, ADD and CVD on certain steel products have also been revoked/ temporarily revoked.
This information was given by the Union Minister for Steel Shri Ram Chandra Prasad Singh in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Coal
Coal India Limited to produce 710 MT coal in current financial year: Shri Pralhad Joshi
Coal India Limited  will produce 710 million tonnes  of coal and company’s coal offtake target will also remain at 710 MT for this fiscal. Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri Pralhad Joshi set these targets for the state-run company while reviewing its performance through video conference on 22nd April 2020.
“The demand of coal will pick up again after coronavirus lockdown, so I have directed CIL to keep the production and offtake targets at 710 MT for financial year 2020-21 in line with its goal to achieve 1 billion tonne coal production by year 2023-24.” Shri Pralhad Joshi said.
Union Coal and Mines Minister stressed upon consistency in coal production throughout the year and instructed CIL management to make all necessary preparations so that production doesn’t get affected even during monsoon season. He asked CIL authorities to provide quality coal to all consumers and make sure that sufficient coal is available at power plant during the year.
The company’s Over Burden  removal target for financial year 2020-21 was set in the meeting at 1580 million cubic meters in alignment with its 1 BT plans. OB removal refers to the removal of top soil to expose the coal seams making them ready for mining.
“I am proud of our Coal Warriors who are toiling day and night to keep the lights on even during Corona Pandemic and hopeful that CIL will achieve all assigned targets on or before time. Government will extend all possible support to get the targets accomplished.” Shri Pralhad Joshi added.
The Minister further asked CIL management to approach the companies presently importing coal to cater their demand and advised to chalk out a detailed plan to substitute the import of coal.